Carers Rights Day 2025 will take place on Thursday, 20 November, spotlighting the critical need for the UK's millions of unpaid carers to “Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights”. This annual national campaign, organised by Carers UK, is a crucial opportunity to raise awareness of the legal rights, entitlements, and support available to those who dedicate their lives to caring for a family member, partner, or friend.

Yesterday evening, 13 November, we hosted our Annual Volunteers Thank You Party and what a fantastic night it was! Over 70 guests joined us for an evening filled with laughter, great company, and heartfelt appreciation. Guests enjoyed a delicious buffet, complimentary drinks, and fabulous live entertainment from Ben Hutcheson, the talented Bristol-based singer-songwriter. A big thank you to Ben for making the night extra special!

Whether you are coming on your own or with a group of friends, a warm welcome awaits you. Suitable for all ages from 10+. So bring the whole family! You are welcome to bring your own drink and nibbles, great for sharing and getting to meet new friends.

Acupuncture Awareness Week (AAW) is an annual campaign dedicated to educating the public about traditional acupuncture, a healthcare practice with roots in ancient China.

This Christmas Market is an absolutely fantastic way to get into the festive mood, The whole Centre is taken over with lots of stalls, games and an amazing raffle! The atmosphere is lovely, filled with music and some amazing refreshments. You can even say hello to Santa!

This is the latest article. In our “ Let’s Introduce You To… series. Today, we find out about one of our fantastic Volunteer Oxygen Operators, Howard Cheetham. Howard has had a fascinating career, and is incredibly well-travelled and always taking part in lots of adventures. Thank you, Howard, for everything that you do for us. You are very much appreciated.

Celebrating Trustees’ Week.

The Brightwell holds a bi-monthly Quiz Night. The excellent evenings are not only a great social event but also raise funds for our Charity. We have two brilliant quiz-setters, Gus and Mary-Jo McVeigh. The questions are topical and varied with the opportunity for teams to play their Joker and score those all important extra points. There is always lots of fun and banter.

Welcome to our October Newsletter! This edition is packed with news, events, articles and information. As always, so much has been happening at The Brightwell this month. Try and join us for some brilliant events, buy a ticket in our draw, take part in one of our excellent physio classes or come along for a coffee or lunch in our Café. We look forward to seeing you soon. Enjoy this newsletter!

Earlier this year, Keith Taylor, one of our founders and Senior Oxygen Operator, received a letter from King Charles to advise Keith that he had been nominated to receive a British Empire Medal, as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List. Keith received his award for services to those living with Multiple Sclerosis and Other Neurological Conditions.